Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes he has found the right coach for the club in Leonardo.
Inter formally announced the replacement for Rafa Benitez on Christmas Eve.
"I thought it nice for the fans to spend Christmas knowing the name of their Coach. It seemed to me a good present for them and the supporters certainly deserve it," Moratti told the Corriere dello Sport.
"I have respected and admired Leo for many years. When it became necessary to replace Benitez, he was free from contracts and it allowed him to join us without the need for further negotiations.
"Leonardo is a very intelligent man, something I noticed back from our first meetings during his playing career. Last season he showed at Milan that he is also a great Coach who can do excellent work."
Of Leonardo's AC Milan ties, Moratti added: "We did not choose Leonardo to irritate Milan.
"We chose him because he has talent and can achieve great things with Inter.
"This will be an interesting adventure for him. He has the time to do things properly, I trust Leonardo and am happy he is with us."
